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Jan Furst Obituary
Jan spent almost exactly half his 98 years in Norway and the other half in Canada. A successful career in Shipbuilding in Norway and Canada culminated in Newfoundland, where he became a member of the Ocean Ranger Commission and received an Honourary Doctors Degree at Memorial University. He and his wife Nenna moved to Bowen Island when he was in his late 70's. Here, blessed with good health and a wonderful community, he lived a very active and contented life. After having been a caregiver for his wife and following her passing in 2000, he embarked on an amazing last chapter of his life: building kayaks; writing stories; teaching fencing; joining Toastmasters, the Canadian Authors Association, and Rotary; being a "grandfriend at school, hosting Scandinavian dinner parties, and any other activity that struck a chord with him. An enthusiastic, very optimistic and social man, he was much loved and admired by all who knew him. We are especially grateful for the outstanding care he received the last three months at the Lions Gate North Shore Hospice. In lieu of flowers a donation to the North Shore Hospice or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will take place in the Bowen Island United Church, 1120 Miller Road, Bowen Island, Sunday Oct 2, 2011 at 1 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jan Furst
5 Entries
Fraser Winsor
October 21, 2011
My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Furst. I had several Engineering work terms with Jan ( Derek and Ary) in the early 80's. Mr. Furst was always a gentleman. I was sorry to learn of his passing, but happy to see he lived a long and full life.
Derek and Hanny Muggeridge
October 4, 2011
Jan was a very special person that had a wonderful smile, gentle nature and boundless enthusiasm for everything he undertook. His love of life and generosity was contagious.
We knew Jan in the 1970's in St. John's. Hanny completed many art projects for Jan's ocean engineering companies and for international conferences that they both organized in Newfoundland. Derek was a business partner of Jan's from 1981 to 1993 and enjoyed working on numerous projects together. Ross Peters and Derek nominated Jan for his honorary doctorate at Memorial University and Hanny and Derek were delighted to see how much Jan and Nenna appreciated the recognition. Jan's speech to convocation was inspirational and memorable for all those who heard it. Our daughter Karen has many happy memories of a first engineering work term spent with Jan.
Our condolences to all Jan's family on your loss. It was a privilege to have known Jan.
Ary Holleman
October 1, 2011
Jan was one of the most kindest and inspirational people I have ever met. We met in St. John's in 1978 and were friends and business partners ever since. Together we tackled many problems related to offshore drilling resulting in unique solutions. His brilliant mind sought out many, many exciting concepts not only in the engineering realm but in social aspects as well.
Our sincere condolences to his family, friends and community.
Skol to our Viking friend.
Ary and Val Holleman
Barry Monaghan
September 30, 2011
Jan, the wonderful stories you shared with us and your quick wit has and always will inspire the many people who knew you.
You lit up the room with your bright smile and sense of humour.
I will never forget watching you dance with the young women at the Toastmasters conferences! Thank you for being a part of our lives!
Skol my friend!
Barry Monaghan
Your friend and fellow Toastmaster
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Hilary Mackey
September 29, 2011
It's been a rare privilege to have enjoyed the friendship of Jan Furst for 8 years. Sincere condolences to his large, close and supportive family, and to his friends and community. Memories of Jan will shine on brightly in so many hearts, for a long time to come.
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